The Commissioner General of the National Revenue Authority Dr. Samuel S. Jibao has made spot visits to the Customs Service Department to step up the processes and procedures regarding the clearance process at the Queen Elizabeth ll Quay.
The move came in the wake of persistent state security concerns in the last three weeks. It could be recalled that few weeks ago, the NRA handed over three incidences of arms and ammunition discovery at the Queen Elizabeth ll Quay and Gbalamuya to the Sierra Leone Police for investigations. In his message to his Customs Officers, Dr. Samuel Jibao implored Customs Officers to be professional in the dispense of their duties.
He maintained that the welfare and security of the State is very Paramount and therefore should not be compromised. It is therefore prudent that Customs step up diligence, vigilance and professionalism at all times he said. Aside the security concerns, Dr. Jibao was also very keen on the need to step up revenue generation to support state operations. He said even though the institution emphasizes security, it is also not trading its primary function which is revenue generation and trade facilitation.
In his response, the Commissioner of Customs Abu Martin Kanneh intimated his staff to be committed and professional with the job to avoid being in conflict with the Law.
The Commissioner General is expected to take this message to the other border crossing points across Sierra Leone.
Credit: Public Affairs and Tax Education Units